Unit 1 Flashcards
Memorize all terms
Silk Roads
The Great Silk Road is a system of caravan routes of ancient times and in the Middle Ages which connected Asia with the Mediterranean and European world.
These routes highly influenced the development of trade interactions and cultural ties between the West and the East.
Secular
Secular things are not religious. Anything not affiliated with a church or faith can be called secular.
Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama (better known as the Buddha, l. c. 563 - c. 483 BCE) was, according to legend, a Hindu prince who renounced his position and wealth to seek enlightenment as a spiritual ascetic, attained his goal and, in preaching his path to others, founded Buddhism in India in the 6th-5th centuries BCE.
Theravada Buddhism VS Mahayana Buddhism
Theravada is a personal journey to nirvana, while Mahayana is a collective effort to help all beings reach nirvana.
Theravada Buddhism focuses on or looks to the earliest Buddhist scriptures only, the Pali canon.
Buddhist monasticism
A religious way of life which involves leaving behind worldly pursuits and devoting oneself to spiritual activity.
A bodhisattva
a being that compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others and is worshipped as a deity in Mahayana Buddhism.
Bhakti movement
The Bhakti movement was a significant religious movement in medieval Hinduism that sought to bring religious reforms to all strata of society by adopting the method of devotion to achieve salvation.
Maharaja
An Indian Prince
Song Dynasty and it’s acomplishments
Technology, science, philosophy, mathematics, and engineering flourished during the Song era. The Song dynasty was the first in world history to issue banknotes or true paper money and the first Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy.
Confucianism
Confucianism, also known as Ruism or Ru classicism, is a system of thought and behavior originating in ancient China, and is variously described as a tradition, philosophy, religion, theory of government, or way of life. 5 principles: Jen, Li, Xin, Chung, Yi.
Daoism/Taoism
Not a religion- a philosophy Daoists strive to be in harmony with this natural order. Rather than following particular rules, Daoists cultivate a sense of naturalness, called ziran. By being in tune with this, they believe they can avoid violence, suffering, and struggle.
Filial piety
Filial piety is the virtue of exhibiting love and respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors, particularly within the context of Confucian, Chinese Buddhist, and Daoist ethics.
Neo-Confucianism
Self fulfillment. The universe is understood through human reasoning. It’s up to humanity to create relationships between the universe and the individual
Bureaucracy
a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Foot binding
the Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding the feet of young girls to change their shape and size. Feet altered by foot binding were known as lotus feet and the shoes made for them were known as lotus shoes.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is a system of interconnected canals linking various major rivers in North and East China, serving as an important waterborne transport infrastructure between the north and the south during Medieval and premodern China.
Sinification
the process by which non-Chinese societies or groups are acculturated or assimilated into Chinese culture, particularly the language, societal norms, culture, and ethnic identity
Champa rice
quick-maturing rice that can allow two harvests in one growing season. Originally introduced into Champa from India; later sent to china as a tribute gift by the Champa state.
Goryeo
A state that had a period of great achievements in Korean art and culture 918 to 1392
Tripitaka Koreana
a Korean collection of the Tripiṭaka (buddhist scriptures), carved onto 81,258 wooden printing blocks in the 13th century.
Hanja Skript
Chinese characters used to write the Korean language.
Sultanate
- : a state or country that is ruled by a sultan. 2. : the position of a sultan or the period of time when a sultan rules.
Caliphate
an institution or public office under the leadership of an Islamic steward with the title of caliph, a person considered a political-religious successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim world.
Khanates
The region ruled by a khan (a Mongol or Turkic supreme tribal leader elevated by the support of his warriors).
Shogunate
the hereditary military dictatorship of Japan (1192–1867).
Khanates
The region ruled by a khan (a Mongol or Turkic supreme tribal leader elevated by the support of his warriors).
Gutenberg Bible
First Great book that was printed in Europe (Feb 23. 1455) Helped the spread of knowledge and literacy.
Mansa Musa
Richest man (1280-1337) in the world who became rich because of his control of salt trade and gold mining. He spread Islamic beliefs during his travels and led the Mali Empire. Helped Timbuktu flourish.
Sunni Islam
Sunnis, meaning followers of the sunna, or “way” in Arabic, of Mohammed, are opposed to political succession based on Mohammed’s bloodline.
Shia
Ali and his descendants are part of a divine order.
Sufism, Sufi
Sufism is a mystic body of religious practice found within Islam which is characterized by a focus on Islamic purification, spirituality, ritualism, and asceticism.
Muhammed
Muhammed was an Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam.[c] According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet who divinely inspired to preach and confirm the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets.
Hajj
Mandatory Islamic duty; pilgrimage to Mecca (if you are able to.)
100 Years War
France vs. England (14-15th century) Disputes over the legitimacy on who should have took the French throne. Ended by the treaty of Paris signed by Henry III of England and Louis
Umayyad Caliphate (Damascus)
The Umayyads were the first Muslim dynasty, established in 661 in Damascus. (Syria)
Abbasid Caliphate (Baghdad)
The Abbasid Caliphate, based in Baghdad, is noted for its cultural and scientific achievements during the Islamic Golden Age. It fostered advancements in various fields, contributing to global knowledge.
Caravan/Caravanserai
The inland routes of the Silk Roads were dotted with caravanserais, large guest houses or hostels designed to welcome travelling merchants and their caravans as they made their way along these trade routes. Found across Silk Roads countries from Turkey to China, they provided not only a regular opportunity for merchants to eat well, rest and prepare themselves in safety for their onward journey, and also to exchange goods, trade with to local markets, and to meet other merchant travelers, and in doing so, to exchange cultures, languages and ideas. As such, caravanserais were far more than simply watering holes along the Silk Roads; they developed as crucibles for the cross-fertilization of cultures along the length of these routes.
Seljuk Empire
The Seljuk Empire, founded by Turkic nomads, played a crucial role in the history of the Middle East. They defended the Islamic world against the Crusaders and influenced the political dynamics of the region.
Mamluk Sultanate
The Mamluk Sultanate, based in Egypt, was known for its military prowess and defeat of the Mongols and Crusaders. It maintained control over Egypt and the Levant for centuries.
The Delhi Sultanate
The Delhi Sultanate was significant for its role in introducing Islam to the Indian subcontinent, fostering a blend of Indian and Islamic culture, and contributing to architectural advancements such as the Qutb Minar.
al-Andalus (Muslim Spain/Portugal)
Al-Andalus was a hub of cultural and intellectual exchange between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. It played a key role in the transmission of classical knowledge to Europe.
House of Wisdom
A major intellectual center in Baghdad where scholars translated and preserved ancient texts, significantly contributing to the Islamic Golden Age.
Ibn Sina
A prominent Persian polymath whose works on medicine and philosophy were influential in both the Islamic world and medieval Europe.
Chinggis (Ghengis) Khan
Started from insignificant beginnings (1162-1227) Key figure of the Mongols. Helped bring numerous Mongolian tribes together and expand across Asia.
Astrolabe
An ancient instrument used for navigation, which played a critical role in maritime exploration.
Compass
Essential for maritime navigation, helping sailors traverse vast oceans.
Joan of Arc
French peasant girl who had prolific religious hallucinations and heard voices telling her to lead the French army. Was successful in her attempts to lead the French to victory in the battle of Orleans. Died at 19 after being accused of witchcraft from the English.
Monsoon Winds
Seasonal winds that were vital for maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, affecting the timing and routes of trade voyages.
Junk Boat, Dhow
These ships were crucial for Indian Ocean trade, symbolizing technological and cultural exchange.
Diasporic Communities
Communities formed by migrants, which facilitated cultural and economic exchange across regions.
Fief
Heritable property or rights granted by an overlord to a vassal.
Vassal
People who entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in the context of the feudal system in medieval Europe. Services in exchange for protection.
Feudalism
Feudalism flourished in Europe between the 9th and 15th centuries. Feudalism in England determined the structure of society around relationships derived from the holding and leasing of land, or fiefs. In England, the feudal pyramid was made up of the king at the top with the nobles, knights, and vassals below him.
Serfdom
Condition in medieval Europe in which a tenant farmer was bound to a hereditary plot of land and to the will of his landlord
Bubonic Plague
A devastating pandemic that significantly impacted European society and economy (14th century CE)
Timur/Tamerlane/Timur the Lame
First ruler of the Timurid Empire. Great Turkic conqueror, conquered from India and Russia to the Mediterranean Sea.
Made Samarkand his capital.
Bushido
The code of honor for the samurai in Japan, influencing Japanese culture and society. Focusing on Honor, Loyalty, Justice, etc.
Kublai Khan
One of the grandsons of Genghis Khan. Leader of Yuan dynasty. Overthrew the Song dynasty. First Mongol to rule over China
Polynesian Migration
The migration patterns that led to the settlement of the Pacific islands, showcasing human adaptability.
Angkor Wat
A massive temple complex in Cambodia, this was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, later transforming into a Buddhist temple. It exemplifies the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
Borobudur
Located in Indonesia, this is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and an important pilgrimage site. Its intricate reliefs depict various stages of enlightenment and reflect the spread of Buddhism.
Great Wall of China
Built to protect China from northern invaders, the Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese strength and ingenuity. It was constructed during various dynasties, including the Qin and Ming.
Forbidden City
Located in Beijing, this palace complex served as the home of Chinese emperors and the political center of China for nearly 500 years. It represents the might of the Ming and Qing
Djinguereber Mosque
Situated in Timbuktu, Mali, this mosque is a symbol of the Islamic influence in West Africa and the Mali Empire’s prosperity. Built by the architect Abu Es Haq es Saheli after Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca.
Great Mosque of Kilwa
This mosque in Tanzania is a testament to the Islamic influence on the Swahili Coast. Kilwa was a major trading city and the mosque represents the fusion of African and Islamic cultures.
Malay, Swahili, Bantu
Ethnic groups whose interactions and migrations significantly shaped regional cultures and languages.
Srivijaya
A maritime empire that controlled critical trade routes between China and India.
Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo, Margery Kempe, Zheng He
These travelers documented their journeys, providing valuable insights into the cultures and trade networks of their time.
